Preview: Nationals at Marlins

May 30, 2012|Reuters

SportsDirect Inc.

Preview: Nationals at Marlins

The Marlins look to continue their record-setting month when they aim for a three-game sweep of the visiting Nationals. Miami set a new franchise record for wins in a month with Tuesday's 3-1 victory, moving to 20-8 in May. Closer Heath Bell has saves in each of the last two games for the Marlins, who stand 1 1/2 games behind first-place Washington in the National League East.

Washington is set to lose only its fourth series this season after scoring four runs in its last two games. The Nationals, who went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position Tuesday and are 1-for-12 in the series, hope to get outfielder Michael Morse back by June 8, when he can serve as a designated hitter against Boston. Out all season with a strained left lat, Morse began his rehab assignment with Single-A Potomac on Tuesday.

Wang, who went 4-3 with a 4.04 ERA in 11 starts last season, is scheduled to make his first start of the year in place of an ineffective Ross Detwiler. Wang made his first appearance of the season last Friday and earned the win after allowing one run over three innings. He is 2-0 with a 4.61 ERA in two career starts against the Marlins.

Johnson is a perfect 7-0 with a 3.14 ERA in 14 career starts against Washington, but is coming off a rocky outing last Friday against the Giants. The Marlins have won Johnson's last five starts, and he's 2-0 with a 4.40 ERA during that stretch.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington third baseman Ryan Zimmerman has more homers (14) against the Marlins than any other team.

2. With a win or no-decision, Johnson will become only the third active player in the majors to have 15 or more career starts against one team without a loss.

3. Nationals infielder Chad Tracy (groin) will undergo surgery Thursday and could miss the rest of the season.